Page 100 of The Best Shot

CeeCee’s head dropped back against the pillows. “So… false alarm?”

“More like a practice run,” the doctor said. “Baby looks great.”

The air in the room released all at once.

“You scared the hell out of me,” Shaun muttered.

CeeCee’s eyes went wet. “Sorry.”

Mama pressed a hand to her chest. “Thank God.”

I watched the relief move between them. They looked like a family.

An hour later, the nurse came back with discharge papers. CeeCee signed while the nurse reviewed the instructions.

“Yasmine,” CeeCee said. “Can you grab my purse over on the chair, there?”

Shaun stood. “I’ll pull the car around.”

“That’s okay.” CeeCee’s voice stopped him. “I can ride back fine with Yasmine.”

He turned.

I blinked.

Shaun blinked.

Mama straightened.

“CeeCee,” Shaun said slowly. “I’m parked right out front. I’m taking you home.”

“When did we decide that?”

For a second, nobody moved. Then Shaun’s face changed, the softness vanishing fast.

“I drove you to the hospital,” he said. “I sat here for hours. I did everything right.”

“I know,” CeeCee said. “And I’m grateful. Thank you.”

“Then let me take you home.”

“Yasmine’s place is home right now.” She faced him squarely. “That’s where I’m going.”

Shaun let out a short laugh. “Unbelievable.”

Mama stepped forward, one hand settling on Shaun’s arm. “CeeCee, maybe if you just⁠—”

“No.” CeeCee’s voice was firmer now. “I appreciate that y’all came. I do. But we’re getting divorced. That hasn’t changed.”

“I was here, CeeCee. I showed up. Doesn’t that count for something?”

“It counts,” she said. “It just doesn’t change my answer.”

“Honey,” Mama said, her voice warm. “Don’t you think you’ve imposed on Yasmine long enough? You can’t stay there forever. Houseguests and fish, right?”

“Then it’s a good thing she’s not a guest, ” I said quietly.

Mama’s mouth pressed into a thin line.